Size matters. Breasts deserve more mirror time: Breast Cancer Network Australia launches new campaign to support early detection.
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)
Key Facts:* More mirror time for breasts.
* New data shows tumour size is a key predictor of survival.
* Know Yourself Feel Yourself Campaign
*New Breast Check Education Video
Interviews:
Women with lived experience of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Network Australia, CEO Kirsten Pilatti
Breast Cancer Network Australia, Director Policy, Advocacy and Support Services, Vicki Durston
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has launched a new Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, Know Yourself. Feel Yourself, urging women to give their breasts the same attention they give their faces in the mirror. BCNA wants all women, particularly young women, to be confident in establishing a conscious breast routine. An action that could save their life.
For the first time data captured by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows that tumour size matters. It is one of the predictors of survival. Early detection is key, regular self-checks increase the likelihood of a woman noticing changes that don’t feel or look normal for them.
The Know Yourself. Feel Yourself campaign takes the familiar habit of focusing on our faces and reframes it as a reminder to check our breasts. BCNA has used the latest information to create a new step by step breast check education video to encourage women to be proactive in their breast health.
Breast Cancer Network Australia CEO, Kirsten Pilatti says the organisation is broadening its scope of support to include behavioural changes and early detection.
"As a network of women with lived experience, we know the big difference early detection can make and the latest data released by the AIHW confirms this. Our campaign creates awareness, and the breast check video provides a practical tool that empowers women to take action. It has been created with the valuable insights of women who have had a breast cancer diagnosis, who want to support the next generation. They want to help young women build confidence in knowing how to check their bodies, recognise when something changes, and advocate for themselves."
Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in women in Australia. On average more than 1,000 women under age 40 each year– around three every day. Younger women are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage and with more aggressive disease, they face added challenges including being dismissed by the health care system. Impacts include financial burden, fertility loss, early menopause and career disruption.
Jess Pearce, a mum and nurse who features in the campaign, knows this reality all too well. She was told she was “too young” when she first raised concerns about changes in her breast. A year later, aged just 33, she was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and has since undergone a double mastectomy.
“I felt dismissed because of my age – and then suddenly I was being told I had breast cancer and needed a double mastectomy,” Pearce said. “If I’d been encouraged to trust my instincts earlier, things may have been different. That’s why this campaign matters – it tells women not to ignore changes and not to take no for an answer.
If sharing my story encourages another young woman to trust her instincts, push for answers and check her breasts monthly, then it’s worth it.”
Know Yourself. Feel Yourself is a short film and digital campaign and education tool featuring women of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom have been personally impacted by breast cancer.
ENDS
*** AIHW report Here
Know Yourself. Feel Yourself. Campaign Assets –
○ Campaign video. LINK HERE
● Still images from video campaign - LINK HERE
● New breast self-check educational video www.bcna.org.au
For resources on how to self-check and to access BCNA’s nationwide support services, visit: https://www.bcna.org.au
**NOTE TO EDITORS.
All campaign imagery is available for use. Please do not use any parts of the Breast Self-Check instruction video that sit on the BCNA website. The content is for 18 years and over. It includes images of real bodies, shown respectfully for educational and health awareness purposes to promote breast health and body confidence
Interviews Available
● Kirsten Pilatti – CEO, Breast Cancer Network Australia [BCNA].
● Women with lived experience of breast cancer.
ENDS
Know Yourself. Feel Yourself Campaign Media: ‘
Sophie McGrath M: 0402535122 [email protected]
BCNA Media Enquiries: Kellie Curtain M: 0412 339690
About us:
About Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is Australia's leading breast cancer consumer organisation, representing over 250,000 individuals affected by breast cancer. Founded in 1998 by Lyn Swinburne, BCNA advocates for, connects, supports, and informs those affected by breast cancer, working with the broader healthcare community to influence a stronger and more equitable healthcare system. BCNA provides free, evidence-based information and support through various channels, including a helpline, online network, and digital resources, ensuring that individuals across Australia, including those in rural and regional areas, have access to the best care, treatment, and support. The organisation is represented by the Pink Lady silhouette, symbolising its focus on the people affected by breast cancer and all those around them, not the disease.
Contact details:
Media :
BCNA Media : Kellie Curtain
M: 0412 339690
Know Yourself Feel Yourself Campaign Sophie McGrath
M | +61 402 535 122
E | [email protected]